The prince is more stable

Chapter 1035 Turmoil and Dispute
The genes ingrained in their bones are hard to forget; they were overjoyed to hear that the Japanese were being beaten, as if it were a festival.

But when he realized that the Japanese man who had been beaten was his father-in-law, he felt that he had been happy too soon.

At this moment, Zhao Xiaoqian's feelings were somewhat complicated; he didn't know which side to take.

Furthermore, one must understand why the two fathers-in-law were beaten before deciding whether to be overjoyed or filled with righteous indignation.

In particular, things seem to have gotten quite serious, as the ones who beat up the two fathers-in-law were several纨绔子弟 (sons of wealthy and powerful families) from Bianjing, and even members of the royal family were involved.

Because of Japan's perverse and depraved national characteristics, Zhao Xiaoqian had no choice but to ask a few more questions.

"What did they do in Bianjing?"

Zhao Xiaoqian tried hard to recall the familiar plot: "Did they become the boss of a stunningly beautiful woman's husband, or did they become the beautiful woman's next-door neighbor, or did they accidentally end up in the photo studio on a rainy night?"

In the end, Zhao Xiaoqian himself felt a little guilty.

Such a perverse and lewd plot might not have been something that Japanese people of this era would have done, but his widow-loving father was quite likely to have.

Zheng Chunhe: "…………"

What is the emperor thinking? Why are all the possibilities he comes up with so strange? Something just doesn't feel right.

Logically speaking, such a common brawl in Bianjing would not have reached the emperor's ears. How could the emperor have so much free time to concern himself with such trivial matters?

However, after Kaifeng Prefecture intervened, it was discovered that both the person who beat the other and the person who was beaten were not simple.

Those who beat the men were notorious playboys from Bianjing, including members of the imperial family. The two foreigners who were beaten were filled with grief and indignation. They claimed that they were the fathers-in-law of the current emperor of the Song Dynasty and that their daughters had been granted the title of imperial concubine by the emperor.

The Kaifeng Prefecture then had no choice but to take the matter seriously and realize that it might be beyond their control, so they had to report it to the Emperor.

"Your Majesty, according to the report from Kaifeng Prefecture, the conflict between the two sides seems to have originated from a courtesan..." Zheng Chunhe said cautiously.

He couldn't fathom the emperor's thoughts at all. Logically, his father-in-law was family, and an elder at that. Upon hearing that his father-in-law had been beaten, the emperor should have been furious and pursued the matter to the end. Those spoiled brats could only kneel down in fear and apologize.

But when the emperor heard that his father-in-law had been beaten, his first reaction was ecstatic, a reaction that left Zheng Chunhe completely bewildered.

So Zheng Chunhe really doesn't know which side the government is on, and can only try his best to present the facts objectively.

"A courtesan?" Zhao Xiaoqian nodded.

That makes sense; conflicts between men usually revolve around money, power, or women.

"My two fathers-in-law are fighting with those playboys over women?"

Zheng Chunhe whispered, "I heard that the two fathers-in-law of the official were very... rude to the women in the brothel. At the time, the sons of the powerful and wealthy relatives were having a gathering in the brothel. The rude behavior of the two fathers-in-law aroused public indignation, and the sons took advantage of their drunkenness to make a move."

Zhao Xiaoqian frowned: "What did those two do to the courtesan? Could it be that they did it in public..."

Zheng Chunhe understood what he meant and quickly said, "It's not that bad..."

Before he could finish speaking, Zheng Chunhe hesitated again after considering the contents of the memorial submitted by the Kaifeng Prefecture.

Zhao Xiaoqian understood his expression and said, "Actually, it almost came to that, right?"

Zheng Chunhe chuckled twice, not daring to reply, but his expression already indicated his agreement.

Zhao Xiaoqian sighed and said, "As expected of the Japanese, they really haven't disgraced their national characteristics at all..."

Having pieced together the whole story in his mind, Zhao Xiaoqian vaguely sensed that his two fathers-in-law's beating today was not unjustified.

Seeing that the emperor remained silent for a long time, Zheng Chunhe felt that the emperor was in a dilemma about how to protect his father-in-law, but he could not lose his impartiality and give others something to talk about.

So Zheng Chunhe carefully said, "After all, the Emperor's two fathers-in-law are the victims. The Emperor may pretend not to know about this matter. I will secretly give the Kaifeng Prefecture a hint so that they can handle it impartially. Those powerful and wealthy relatives and their children will naturally be taught a lesson."

Zhao Xiaoqian smiled and said, "There's no need. In the end, it's not a big deal. Besides, it's only natural that whoever is wrong should be punished. I don't want to favor either side."

Just then, hurried footsteps came from outside the hall, and two slender, graceful figures flashed past the door as two Japanese sisters quickly walked in.

Without saying a word, he bowed deeply upon entering.

The two sisters knelt before Zhao Xiaoqian, their faces filled with fear, and said in trembling voices, "We heard that our father has just gotten into trouble. On behalf of our father, we apologize to you, sir."

Zhao Xiaoqian clicked his tongue. Look at their attitude. They don't care about right or wrong. They just admit their mistake first.

In the realm of understanding and serving men, Japanese women have been at the forefront of the world and have set trends throughout history.

"Your father was beaten to death. I heard he was hung on a flagpole and left to flutter in the wind..." Zhao Xiaoqian said quietly.

The two sisters trembled, but still gritted their teeth and said, "It must be Father's fault. Please, sir, handle this matter fairly. We will never plead for Father."

Seeing the two girls' obedient yet fearful appearance, clearly worried about their father but not daring to say it, and saying something like "handling things impartially" against their conscience, Zhao Xiaoqian also felt a pang of heartache.

Alright, considering our shared marriage, we won't care whether my father-in-law and father-in-law are Japanese or not, and I'll handle the matter myself.

"You two wait patiently. I will go and see what's going on myself. If your father has been wronged, I will seek justice for them," Zhao Xiaoqian said, helping the two women to their feet. The two sisters bowed gratefully.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Xiaoqian added quietly, "However, if it is found that your father is at fault, I will issue an edict to hang them both on kites, so that your father can fly in the sky while you two chase after him on the ground..."

…………

When traveling incognito outside the palace, security is much better than before.

Ever since the assassination attempt, Zhao Xiaoqian has been surrounded by imperial guards whenever he leaves the palace.

Although he was dressed as an ordinary citizen, Zhao Xiaoqian walked down the street and strangers could not get within two zhang (approximately 6.6 meters) of him.

Today, Zhao Xiaoqian wore a black long robe, still dressed as a wealthy and dashing young master. There was no way around it; he was born with this kind of temperament, and he wouldn't look convincing in any other profession.

Last time, Chen Shou risked his life to protect Zhao Xiaoqian during the assassination attempt, and suffered serious injuries. However, he has basically recovered by now. Upon hearing that the Emperor was leaving the palace, Chen Shou returned to his post without hesitation to protect Zhao Xiaoqian closely.

As they exited the palace gates, Zhao Xiaoqian looked Chen Shou up and down and said with a smile, "I don't know why, but you suddenly seem much more energetic. People are in high spirits when they have good news?"

Chen Shou grinned憨厚ly: "Awesome, really awesome!"

Zhao Xiaoqian laughed heartily, knowing why Chen Shou was so pleased.

Last time, Chen Shou was injured while risking his life to save the emperor. Zhao Xiaoqian was very moved and immediately granted him a title, "Viscount of Yingchang County," and also bestowed the title of "Military Cavalry Captain" upon his son.

In the Song Dynasty, granting a title was no easy feat. Emperors were extremely stingy in bestowing titles; unless one had made a particularly great contribution, they would generally only be promoted and given gold, and very few would be granted a title.

Chen Shou's great merit in saving the emperor finally secured a title for him and his descendants. The title of "County Viscount" may not be a high-ranking one, but it was a prestigious one.

Simply put, if all the civil and military officials were to hold a private gathering somewhere, and Chen Shouruo were to attend, he would be given a chair to sit on, while other officials of higher rank would likely have to stand.

This is the status and prestige that a title of nobility brings.

"Have you fully recovered?" Zhao Xiaoqian asked.

Chen Shou patted his chest forcefully and said, "I'm fully recovered, and I can even take a few more blows for the Emperor."

"You wish me well? Am I born with a face that looks like it's going to get stabbed? Wasn't being stabbed last time enough? Will I get stabbed again in the future?" Zhao Xiaoqian said irritably.

Chen Shou smiled憨厚ly: "I'm not good with words, but that's the gist of it."

"Come, accompany me to the Great Xiangguo Temple to see the excitement."

At the corner of the Imperial Street and the Xiangguo Temple is East Street, and continuing eastward is Zhouqiao, a famous cultural and tourist attraction in Bianjing.

The two Japanese fathers-in-law got into trouble at a brothel near Zhouqiao.

Upon arriving at the brothel, Zhao Xiaoqian glanced at the decor. Hmm, it was quite nice, rather luxurious, and obviously not cheap, which suited his two fathers-in-law's spending power.

Despite their subservient and humble demeanor before Zhao Xiaoqian, these two fathers-in-law wield far more power in Japan than the Emperor himself. Together, they can essentially control all affairs in Japan, effectively stripping the Emperor of his authority.

Of course, this refers to the period before Zhang Rong led the Song army to land in Japan.

Given their status and spending power, upon arriving in Bianjing, they would naturally dine at the best restaurants, visit the most expensive brothels, sleep with the most beautiful courtesans, and endure the most brutal beatings…

At this moment, the gates of the brothel were sealed off by the Kaifeng Prefecture officials. Many people stood outside curiously, peering inside, and various discussions were heard.

When Zhao Xiaoqian and his entourage arrived, the constables were about to stop them when Chen Shou took out a waist token and handed it over. The constables took a closer look and were immediately filled with respect. They quickly stepped aside and bowed.

Zhao Xiaoqian carried himself inside.

The brothel's main hall was in complete disarray, with broken porcelain, smashed tables and chairs, torn paintings and calligraphy scattered on the floor, along with spilled soup and water, making it look as if it had been ransacked by bandits.

Two people were lying on the ground, their clothes were disheveled and torn, their faces were bruised and swollen, half of their hair had been pulled out, and their eyes were closed and they were motionless.

After careful examination, Zhao Xiaoqian finally recognized that the two men were his Japanese fathers-in-law. Seeing that they looked like they were on their way to paradise and to join the ranks of immortals, Zhao Xiaoqian was immediately shocked.

"They're dead?"

The constable beside him hurriedly said, "He's not dead, he just fainted, but he's still breathing."

Zhao Xiaoqian then looked around and saw a group of people standing not far away. These people were all young, dressed in gorgeous clothes, and exuded an air of nobility. Even though someone was about to die, they remained calm.

Zhao Xiaoqian knew almost without even recognizing them that this group of people were the infamous playboys and rich kids of Bianjing.

When Zhao Xiaoqian walked in, some of the spoiled brats ignored him, while others looked him over carefully and seemed to recognize him. Suddenly, a chill ran down their spines, and several of them knelt down in panic.

Before the纨绔 (playboy) could kneel down, an official quickly knelt down first.

"Your subject, Jiang Huan, Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies, pays his respects to Your Majesty."

(End of this chapter)